Yeast, also known as Candida albicans, is normally present in the digestive system. In healthy people, the yeast is not harmful because it is controlled by beneficial microorganisms, known as probiotics. However, the good bacteria can be destroyed in the body by the presence of antibiotics, stress, medications, birth control pills or an unhealthy diet. This may cause yeast to grow uncontrollably and lead to infections. Candida often produces symptoms such as vaginitis, bloating, bowel dysfunction and disorders, as well as sinus infections. There are a number of ways to reduce the amount of yeast in your diet to avoid symptoms and illnesses resulting from yeast overgrowth.
Step 1
Reduce or eliminate sugars and simple carbohydrates from the diet. Refined, processed foods such as white bread and enriched wheat bread contain yeast. Yeast is present in many baked goods as it allows breads, rolls, muffins and cakes to rise. Even whole-grain bread products contain yeast, and thus should be limited or eliminated from the diet, depending on severity of symptoms. Be sure to read labels carefully for the different forms of sugar that may be present in ingredients. Some less obvious forms of sugar include organic cane juice, dextrose, maltose, lactose, maltodextrin, honey, molasses and fructose.
Step 2
Avoid or limit consumption of alcohol. Alcohol is one of the most refined forms of sugar available. Beer, in particular, is a high source of yeast and should be avoided.
Step 3
Cut back on dairy aside from some occasional cheese or yogurt. Most dairy products contain lactose, which is a form of sugar. Yeast feeds on any forms of sugar ingested. Some types of yogurt are permissible as they contain probiotics to help with gastrointestinal health.
Step 4
Reduce the amount of fruit you eat. Although the sugar in fruit is natural, many fruits are very high in sugars and fructose. Experiment to determine which fruits aggravate your symptoms of candida. Fruits highest in sugar include bananas, dates, oranges and dried fruits such as raisins. The lowest-sugar fruits are berries, including blackberries, blueberries and strawberries, as well as pears.
Step 5
Eat a diet rich in vegetables, lean meats and eggs. Vegetables are low in sugar and absorb fungus such as mycotoxins, carrying them out of the body. Lean meats and eggs are sources of protein and contain no sugars or yeast. Protein has a satiating effect on the appetite, which helps to keep blood sugar levels steady and prevents overeating or cravings for high-carbohydrate foods.
References
- "Complete Candida Yeast Guidebook, Revised 2nd Edition: Everything You Need to Know About Prevention, Treatment & Diet"; Jeanne Marie Martin & Zoltan P. Rona, M.D.; 2000
- "The Yeast Connection Handbook"; William G. Crook; 1999
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